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C.O.P.S. Ride Bikes To Honor Fallen Comrades

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Police officers from across the state took to their bikes this weekend - to honor their fallen comrades. The ride was a benefit for surviving family members. CBS 2's Dana Kozlov is live at the Chicago Police Memorial Park where the ride just finished up.

The heat didn't deter the riders, who were very committed to their journey over the past couple of days. They wrapped up their ride with an emotional ceremony at the memorial park a couple of hours ago.

The somber strains of bagpipes helped guide exhausted, emotional but exhilarated cyclists to the Gold Star Families Memorial. This is where the two dozen or so riders - some of them police officers, others relatives of cops killed on the job - finished their grueling four-day journey. It's an annual ride for C.O.P.S., or Concerns Of Police Survivors.

"That's exactly what C.O.P.S. stands for. We're there holding out our hands to one another, pulling ourselves through some very difficult times in our lives," said cyclist Toni Hardesty.

Toni Hardesty rode for her husband Rob, who died while training for the FBI three years ago. She biked the 300-plus miles with her daughter's handmade sign of encouragement pinned on her back. Everyone rode for someone - noted by the blue bracelets on their wrists. Embattled Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis thanked the riders, as did former Superintendent Phil Cline, who noted the ride ended just weeks after the death of Chicago Police Officer Richard Francis.

"There's 526 names on that wall down there," Cline said. "We're going to be adding seven more, and unfortunately we are also going to be adding the name of Officer Francis this year."

Orland Park Police Officer Jason Ford rode for Chicago Officer Donald Marquez - shot and killed on the job in 2002. He gave his bracelet to Marquez's sister, Donna, who now heads the Gold Star Families Memorial in Chicago.

"We miss them so much, that's why we cry," Donna said. "And you just think about these guys, you know, sacrificing every day and we're doing this to remember our loved ones."

"We wish we didn't have to do this ride, but it's a way to honor our fallen comrades," said Officer Ford. "We'll never forget 'em."

C.O.P.S. started this ride in 2004 and they plan to hold it again next year.

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